GPS-equipped Sony HDR-XR520V camcorder now available to order
By Donald Melanson 
posted March 1st 2009 8:07PM
posted March 1st 2009 8:07PM
We already knew that Sony's GPS-equipped HDR-XR520V camcorder (and the slightly lower-end HDR-XR500V and HDR-XR200V models) would start shipping in March, but you'd be rightly skeptical if you thought that meant it'd be arriving closer to the end of the month than the beginning. Sony looks to be bucking the usual trend, however, as the camcorder is now in stock at Amazon and selling for the not-so-discounted price of $1,499 (SonyStyle itself, meanwhile, lists the camcorder as shipping on March 8th). It seems like quantities may be a tad limited to start with, however, as Amazon lists only four left in stock as of this writing. A handful of sellers also appear to have the HDR-XR500V and HDR-XR200V available, which each pack 120GB of storage as opposed to the 240GB on the HDR-XR-520V.
[Thanks, Dave]
[Thanks, Dave]
GPS-equipped, hmm? Sounds useful when something Blair-Witch-esque goes down.
The bigger news in this camera is the new 12MP Exmor-R CMOS sensors which should improve low-light performance and image quality. It should be a very competitive AVCHD camcorder at that price range.
It also uses the much talked about back-lit CMOS, which is the first of its kind, moreover it should reduce noise.
Granted it lose the Blair Witch graininess due to the improved sensor. . .
http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/11/sony-announces-own-backside-illuminated-cmos-take-that-omnivi/
http://www.photoclubalpha.com/2009/01/08/exmor-r-debuts-in-handycams/
The camera looks bulky due to its HDD. They should just remove it. While 32 gb cards are still expensive, they will cost peanuts in under a year. The Panasonic HDD-less cameras are tiny - don't know if they perform worse or better compared to this one.
The GPS stuff is nice, but at least Sony isn't doing something stupid like Canon and taking out the EVF from nearly all its models. The flip-out LCD is nice and all, but once you take it outside, it's a pain to use in sunlight, and sucks battery life. I would have gotten a Canon, since they have the progressive video modes, but an EVF is a must for me, without one it's a toy.
now i can see where Phil recorded that porn
I received the HDR-XR500V (120GB Version with GPS) last Thursday from SonyStyle, way ahead of schedule.
I am completely happy with this camera! Great low-light performance, the new image stabilizer is way better than anything I've used before and it is so small and light!
The GPS feature really works well, and you can in the supplied software click on a map and have it show you the videos you took in that area.
Surpsizingly, another great feature is the automatic smile-shutter while in Video mode. At first I couldn't figure out why I ended up with a ton of still pictures when I hadn't shot any but what the camera is doing is take a still every time it detects a smile. Even though I may not use it, it beats finding a great shot in a video and having to advance frame by frame to get a still.
The still camera ain't half bad either..... my Nikon D300 sure beats it to death, but then again I bought it for a great HD camera, not a still camera.
Thanks for good info about the GPS feature
Is there any input on this camera? Can you record onto it? I need a good camera for an external lens but it need an analog input.
Sweet!
Just what "i" need to record those clandestine videos of me and my 1st Gen iPhone!
XXX
LOL
I guess you need it because your "love" can't record its own video. Pity...
I used to get a kick out of your iphone zaniness, the whole "I" thing was a nice touch, but it's actually... well, it's just old now.
"GPS-equipped..."
'WHY' is the first question that comes to mind. Also, I suppose someone who wants a GPS-camera already has a GPS phone...
That's not my case. I would like a GPS camera. I have no desire for a phone that costs me a lot of money; especially in monthly fees. I rarely pay more than 7-10 dollars a month for my pre-paid phone. So, just in case you think everyone is that way, I am not.
Uhhhh, you DO realize it's not for navigation, right? Right? PLEASE tell me you knew that, please!
I'm glad their priorities are putting GPS in a camcorder rather than a digital camera...you know...where it would be more useful!
I know, I don't even care for a GPS in a VIDEO CAMERA.
I've never heard of a need! But I guess its kind of a need for some people so I'm not going to knock it so easily.
As handy as having it in a Digital Camera would be, a video camera could have its uses, albeit very niche uses.
I'll leave it up to you to figure out those uses.
As someone who makes his living taking pictures and video, I have no desire at all for GPS. Seriously. I don't see the point outside of "OMFG LOOK AT WHERE WE TOOK THIS SNAPSHOT LOLOLOLOL."
@ Jesse S:
Well I would love to be able to see where I took all of my 9000+ photos during my trip through Europe
Just because YOU do not have the desire to want this feature, does not mean others does not want too. Think.
If you live in the NY/NJ market, PC Richard & Son is selling the for $1359 in-store.
Just got my 500V today from B&H.
Full Unboxing Flickr Set is here at:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kadath/sets/72157614709169036/
Will be blogging my tests at:
http://www.navesink.net/2009/03/sony-hdr-xr500vunboxing-and-testing.html
Will post Videos at:
http://www.eaholaula.com
Battery is charging now, so vids soon! Yay for Snow days!
Sam
Hi, thanks for showing this post.Actually, I don't have an idea in terms of camera if what is the latest today. I'm looking for 3ccd Camcorder also. I'm a bit curious in this.